Caring for orphans is a significant part of Islam. Orphans are mentioned 22 times in the Qur’an; their mistreatment is a serious sin, while nurturing and sponsoring them is an immensely good deed.
Your sponsorship ensures that your orphan receives a quality education, emotional support and, in locations where they attend our schools, free meals and medical check-ups.
You can help a child while fulfilling your essential Zakat obligation in a manageable way. Investing in an orphan’s future is also an excellent Sadaqah Jariyah for yourself.
“I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise,”
said the Prophet ﷺ, holding up his index and middle fingers. Sahih al-Bukhari
What is included in the sponsorship?
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£29.50per month
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Books & Stationery
The books, stationery and uniform a child needs to learn.
We make sure every orphan has the best care we can offer. Every child, family and school has different needs, so we prioritise the care that is needed most. Your £29.50 per month relieves them of financial worries, so they can just be children.
£24 of every £29.50 goes directly to the school your orphan attends. The rest supports project delivery at our field offices.
At Muslim Hands schools, sponsorship funds the school itself: uniforms, stationery and health checks, and in many locations free meals and transport. Children don’t just receive help individually; they grow up in stronger, safer communities.
At other schools, support goes to the orphan’s guardian to meet their educational needs, on the basis that the child stays in education. Monetary gifts are always given directly to your sponsored child.
Explore orphan lives
Drag through films, photos and stories from the schools your sponsorship supports.
Hiba, Islamabad
School of Excellence student
91% in her exams!
Lost her father at two. Now she dreams of becoming a doctor.
A school day in Yemen
“We get breakfast at this school, and they also buy us clothes and school supplies.”
Schools of Excellence
130 schools across 18 countries
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Rawalakot, Kashmir
A film from our School of Excellence
School meals
Tackling hunger so children can learn
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25,000children receiving an education worldwide
In her own words
A sponsored student on what school means to her
Salaam from our students
Your turn
Give a child the same chance, for £29.50 a month.
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A sponsor’s story
Sponsor visit
Meeting Siddiqui
Sister Azipha met the orphan she and her family sponsor. She brought gifts and spent meaningful time with Siddiqui and his siblings.
Meeting them for the first time and seeing their daily life was emotional: a reminder of how much your support can truly help.
I feel more confident and happy now, because I can study regularly and work towards a better future.
HibaSponsored student, Islamabad
The sponsorship has eased our financial burden and given us hope for the future.
Hiba’s motherIslamabad, Pakistan
Life at our Schools of Excellence
Moments from the schools your sponsorship supports.
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Lining up for classPlaytime at a School of ExcellenceFriends in front of the chalkboardA lesson in a Muslim Hands classroomClassmates togetherReady to learnQur’an class
Frequently asked questions
What will I receive as an orphan sponsor?
An orphan pack with information about the child and a recent picture. After that, an annual feedback report on the child’s performance at school, with a new picture. You can also email sponsorship@muslimhands.org.uk with your donor ID and orphan ID to ask for an update.
How is my sponsorship money spent?
Of the £29.50 a month, £24 is sent directly to the school the orphan attends. Where a child is enrolled at a non-Muslim Hands school, the orphan’s guardian receives the funds and is entrusted with meeting the child’s needs.
This covers school fees, uniforms, books, stationery, basic health checks, food and, where possible, transport. The rest is retained at our field offices to support project delivery and future fundraising.
How can I contact my sponsored orphan?
Send a letter to sponsorship@muslimhands.org.uk including your donor ID and orphan ID. Our team reviews all correspondence. Children can reply electronically via the field office, but are not obliged to write back.
Can I send my sponsored orphan a gift?
Posting parcels rarely works, as postal services in many countries are unreliable. We recommend a monetary gift: call our donation line on 0115 911 7222 with your orphan ID and our local team will buy the gift locally and present it to the child. For Eid, please give as early as possible.
How long is the orphan sponsorship programme?
The programme ends when a child turns 18, but support continues until the end of their academic year so their education isn’t disrupted. In some locations, orphans aged 18 and over can apply to our Scholarship Fund.
Can I visit my sponsored orphan?
Where possible, supervised visits can be arranged at the local Muslim Hands office with the agreement of the child and their guardian. You’ll need an up-to-date DBS certificate and to cover travel and food costs for the child and guardian. Please contact us at least three months in advance at mail@muslimhands.org.uk.
Can I contact the child after they turn 18?
No. To maintain safeguarding standards, we never share a sponsored child’s personal contact details, even after they turn 18, and all communication goes through Muslim Hands.
Am I the only donor of my sponsored orphan?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. At some Muslim Hands schools in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Yemen and other locations, two donors may sponsor the same child, helping ensure they receive the highest quality education available.
What happens if the child I sponsor leaves the programme?
We will always tell you. You’ll usually be offered the chance to sponsor another child in need or to redirect your support to the Orphans Fund.
Can I ask for extra updates on my sponsored orphan?
Yes. In addition to the annual feedback report, we can provide a general update once a year.
